Human Liberation in a Feminist Perspective--A Theology

by Letty M. Russell (Editor)

Today, women are joining other oppressed groups in a search for liberation. Human Liberation in a Feminist Perspective--A Theology is an attempt to wrestle with this challenge by making a contribution to the Christian understanding of human liberation from the feminist perspective.

Genres: Theology, Christianity

Paperback

First published September 1, 1974

Reviews

[Steven H · Rating 5 out of 5]

ONE OF THE FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS OF "FEMINIST THEOLOGY"

Letty Mandeville Russell (1929-2007) was a feminist theologian who taught at Yale Divinity Schools, who also wrote/edited books such as 'Church in the Round: Feminist Interpretation of the Church,' 'Dictionary of Feminist Theologies,' 'Inheriting Our Mothers' Gardens: Feminist Theology in Third World Perspective,' etc.

She wrote in her Introduction to this 1974 book, "This book comes out of my own experience in the search for liberation... I have simply tried to set down a few notes on aspects of the gospel of liberation which is my basis of hope..."

She states that theology may be "feminist" because the women involved are "actively engaged in advocating the equality and partnership of women and men in church and society." (Pg. 19) Like Third World theology, feminist theology is written out of an experience of oppression in society. (Pg. 21) She notes the importance of women doing theology, as they make a contribution to the "unfinished dimension" of theology. (Pg. 53)

She observes that it is not necessary to think of God primarily as having masculine characteristics of domination and lordship, a practice that has served to "legitimate aggression and domination" in male-dominated cultures. (Pg. 100) She suggests that for women, the scandal of the gospel is seen "most importantly in his maleness... How is it possible for this male to be the bearer of God's togetherness with women and men when he represents only one half of the human race in this respect?" (Pg. 137-138)

In conclusion, she suggests that for Christians, this experiment in liberation is not done only on our own initiative, but "is a way of participating in the humanity of God; joining God's experiment in being together with us, so that we might be together in community with each other." (Pg. 183)

This book is one of the early "pathbreakers" in feminist theology and biblical interpretation, and is still of considerable value.

[Denise Sudbeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

An early work at the intersection of feminist and liberation theologies, helping to build a solid foundation for the later expansion of mujerista and womanist theologies. It was something I just had never read and really needed to. There will be more Letty Russell in my future.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fine articulation of the relationship between human liberation and the liberation of both women and the feminine. Letty Russel was a giant of biblical and theological critique and reading this book was like getting a breath of fresh air in the sometimes stale environment of liberation theology.